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Government Supply Warehouse Cited Following Chemical Spill

Feb. 22, 2000

OSHA cited the U.S. General Services Administration for violation of OSHA standards in a warehouse in Burlington, N.J.

According to OSHA area director Gary Roskoski, the action results from an investigation conducted from Aug. 17, 1999 to Feb. 17, 2000 at the federal government supply warehouse.

OSHA compliance officers went to the warehouse after receiving reports from news media of a chemical spill.

Their investigation disclosed that a quantity of approximately 1,800 pounds of calcium hypochlorite powder, used to chlorinate swimming pools, was spilled on the warehouse floor.

Cleanup activities resulted in 27 employees' being treated for chlorine exposure at a local hospital.

OSHA said that the agency violated OSHA's emergency response standard by failing to develop and implement an emergency response plan and to train employees required to assist in containment and cleanup.

The warehouse was also cited for failing to conduct an employee exposure assessment, provide respirators and chemical safety goggles.

The agency faces a possible fine totaling $112,500 for the violations.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.